Video

Jul 19, 2016 | 01:17

Gingrich defends Melania Trump, accuses media of "overkill"

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich accuses the media of ''making a bigger deal'' out of Melania Trump's speech, noting similar plagiarism claims against President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

TRANSCRIPT +

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich says the negative attention over Melania Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention is "typical media overkill."
Speaking to reporters outside a hotel in Cleveland, Gingrich defended Trump and accused the media of making a bigger deal out of plagiarism claims, noting that U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have "both stolen dramatically."
Melania Trump's roughly 15-minute speech was a bid to soften the image of the New York businessman-turned-politician, who has been accused of bigotry and callousness for his calls to suspend Muslim immigration and deport millions of undocumented immigrants if elected. He has also been criticized for insults directed at women, political opponents and journalists.
But a portion of her speech ignited controversy for closely resembling part of a speech given by Michelle Obama at the Democratic convention in 2008.

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